At Dems Dinner, Clinton's Performance is Lackluster while Obama Remains Strong

[EV_Ares]

Obama Cheered; Clinton booed at Forum

ABC News' Eloise Harper and Sunlen Miller Report: Senator Clinton just took the stage in a large auditorium for the 100 Club Dinner in the Hampshire Dome in Milford, NH. Clinton launched a new slogan with a sign that just says READY. The change message that Clinton has been driving hard was tampered down in this speech – and instead Clinton focused on being "ready to make the changes that America deserves," and on a "new beginning."

Clinton was serious and was clearly trying to drive her message of seriousness and strength. Some boo's were audible from the crowd at times during her speech from Obama supporters and people were chanting "O-BAMA." Three thousand people packed the auditorium and it seems like there are many more Obama supporters than Clinton supporters.

It was not Clinton's best performance.

Clinton went after Senator Obama's healthcare plan (not by name) saying "there are some who say we can’t cover everyone its too politically ambitious its controversial – they offer instead virtual healthcare – well I believe we have to cover everyone and I am not going to leave anyone out."

Clinton exited the stage with President Clinton and Chelsea Clinton.

In a stark contrast, Barack Obama took the stage immediately after Senator Clinton this evening at the 100 Club Dinner.

In the brief moment between the two candidates speeches, a couple hundred Obama supporters left their seats throughout the venue and flooded toward the stage, leading a massive impromptu pep rally, shouting "Obama, Fire it up, Ready to go!"

An event staffer had to announce over the PA system,"For safety concerns please take your seats."

Obama took the stage to the loudest applause and cheers of any of the candidates, as supporters waved signature "O" placards, and delivered a strong speech, albeight through a still hoarse voice.

Obama stuck to his stump speech, but used the momentum from his Iowa win to make the case for winning New Hampshire, saying that hope is, "believing in things not seen, believing in brighter days ahead, that is what is possible in four days time. That is the challenge before you, New Hampshire. I am absolutely convinced that if you believe, we can not be stopped."

Link: http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/01/at-dems-dinner.html

[MadBadger]

1. What are these people talking about?

Richardson took the stage after Clinton. Id love to know where they got the idea that Obama took the stage immediately after Senator Clinton. Thats just blatantly false.

[indimuse]

2. Has DU become a RW HATE SITE???

:yoiks::yoiks::yoiks::yoiks:

[Evergreen Emerald]

3. The headline should read: ... "Obama brings rude cheering section

Clinton outshines with class"

[EV_Ares]

4. Doesnt look like that will occur, if ever. eom.

[Peregrine Took]

5. Good one! They were quite crazed and over the top, emotionally.

Enthusiasm in great buy messiah frenzy is just weird and scary. He's just a person like you and I - not a god.

[goldcanyonaz]

6. His fanatics are cult like.

Praise Jesus, I mean Obama!!

[David Dunham]

7. Exactly right

[EV_Ares]

8. And evidently what the majority are wanting right now, especially

independents and younger voters who don't want more of the same.

[styersc]

9. I'm not a committed support of anyone, but I saw the speeches

and felt just the opposite. I thought she gave a better speech then I had seen the entire time before Iowa and that he pretty much gave the same speech that he gave after the vote in Iowa (albeit a great speech the first time).

Like I said I am still uncommitted, but I feel that now that Obama is getting a great deal of attention, he had better add meat to his performance. He has to specify proposed policies and be ready to defend ideas from attack. If he comes off as a pretty boy lacking substance we will be looking at another GOP admin.

[EV_Ares]

10. and Hillary is going to have to show everyone she is not going to be

the corporate candidate as it appears she is; that she is not going to continue to enable Bush to do as he pleases such as Iraq and Iran; that instead of the same old continuing thing in Washington, she is about change.

Obama has already proven himself on that point which is why he won so huge in Iowa and especially among Independents and the younger crowd. Everyone understands his youth in comparison to Hillary. Everyone understands Hillary was a first lady. Everyone also understands that those who have supposedly so much experience have not given this country what they need but just a continuation of corporate support over the individual voters. People want something else and that is not Hillary.

[zulchzulu]

11. I don't like it when people boo at political events

Just as I thought the Hillary fans booed Obama at the Las Vegas debate was bogus, I don't think it's good to boo at any other political events. Silence is more powerful in my view.

I wonder if there is video of the event...perhaps C-SPAN...